Joe Rinaudo, cranking his 1909 Powers Cinemagraph Motion Picture Machine, projects Laurel & Hardy in “Angora Love.” As soon as the film ends, Gary Gibson slides the light box to the left, projecting glass slides through the “magic lantern” lens, while Joe changes reels.

Two Strike Park in La Crescenta, California, was packed with kids and adults July 28, 2018 to enjoy an evening of silent comedies as soon as dusk set in. It was a beautiful evening with lots of laughter and fun. Popcorn, sodas and home-made cookies were sold at the snack stand. (The show was free.)

There were cartoons and films starring Laurel & Hardy, Buster Keaton and Larry Semon. The audience was amazed at the daring stunts performed live, real time, in those days.

Joe Rinaudo hand-cranked the show along with Gary Gibson, his able assistant (who also projected the glass slides while Joe changed reels). Cliff Retallick performed a splendid “narration” on the piano.

Of special note, gratifying to Joe whose mission is to keep silent cinema alive for generations to come, was the large number of youngsters enjoying the show. One teenager, Zander Greene, not only engaged in an enlightening conversation with Joe, but also helped him break down and pack the equipment. 

Zander Greene, 14, thoroughly enjoyed not only watching the films, but also checking out the equipment and discussing silent cinema with Joe Rinaudo. He also helped Joe break down the equipment after the show. 

This is living history, something you just can’t experience any other way but by being there. If you were in the audience, thank you for supporting Silent Cinema. If you weren’t, hope to see you next time!